REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA ARMAN KIRAKOSSIAN UPON THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF HIS LETTER OF CREDENCE TO PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WILLIAM J. CLINTON

Mr. President,

It will be my honor and privilege to represent my country, the Republic of Armenia, as Ambassador to the United States. We cherish our partnership with this great nation and look forward to further enhancing it, in our common interests and to the mutual benefit of our peoples.

I am proud to state that Armenia's relations with the United States are built on solid foundations and are not confined to any single sphere of human endeavor and international activity. The scope of this partnership between the world's leading democracy and an emerging democratic nation desirous of taking its share of responsibilities on the international stage is multifaceted. This relationship spans bilateral, interstate cooperation, the advancement of Caucasus and Caspian-wide regional initiatives, the strengthening of Euro-Atlantic partnership and integration, and engagement in broader multilateral arenas. The range of this cooperation displays itself prominently in various areas: from the political to the economic, from the security to the scientific, and from the cultural to the humanitarian.

Our relations are inclusive enough to reflect issues of mutual concern at the global and regional levels. We cooperate closely with the United States on a whole gamut of issues, such as tackling the global scourge of terrorism, stemming the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and fighting illegal drug trafficking. In line with our national interests and collective responsibilities, we have cultivated successful cooperation with the United States within a host of international fora and frameworks. They include, but are not limited to, the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, NATO's Partnership for Peace and Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, and European arms control treaties. Finally, we are committed to establishing and enhancing our relations with neighboring countries. To meet these ends, we look forward to your continued cooperation and support.

We acknowledge the leading role of the United States in supporting Armenia and its neighbors in achieving a durable peace, coupled with stability and security in the Southern Caucasus region. We have a strong interest in seeing the United States maintain its leadership position and facilitating role as a Co-Chair of the process, under the auspices of the OSCE, on the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. We believe that peace can only be achieved if parties to the conflict themselves demonstrate the political will and readiness to compromise. It is, however, the competent mediation that brings them together, and helps them establish mutual confidence, engage in a constructive search for common solutions, and shape a shared vision for peace and prosperity.

Not to be outdone, day-to-day human linkages between our nations stand out as the chief conduit for the development of a uniquely beneficial trans-Atlantic relationship that binds our nations together. Indeed, it is heartening and gratifying to know that hundreds of thousands of Americans of Armenian descent have lived in, and fought and given their lives for the United States, while making significant contributions to their country and humankind.

As a historian, permit me to state that we, in Armenia, view the democratic traditions of the United States with admiration and reverence. According to the Greek philosopher Aristotle, "The basis of a democratic state is liberty." As the first modern-day democracy, the United States serves as a beacon of hope and progress for societies throughout the world in their quest to attain and uphold civil liberties. Conversely, as one of the oldest nations in the world and one of the youngest of democracies, Armenia looks upon the United States as a bedrock of political experience and maturity in consolidating a democratic and civil society based on shared values and the rule of law. Further, we remain steadfast in pursuing our aim of building a free market economy, which will tap into the productive resources and entrepreneurial skills of our nation and guarantee prosperity for us and future generations.

Armenia has experienced more than its share of human hardship, economic crises and regional instability since our nation regained its sovereignty. Armenia stands committed to building a stable, open, economically prosperous, and socially progressive society, and implementing the necessary yet challenging democratic, economic, and legal reforms. In the words of President Thomas Jefferson, a founding father of this great country, "The boisterous sea of liberty is never without a wave." During the last few months, our nation has been engulfed with torrents of grief stemming from the callous acts of terror inflicted upon the leadership of Armenia. Yet, like the Biblical Jonah, we Armenians have found in ourselves the will and determination to emerge from the abyss and move forward toward a happier destiny. We appreciate your personal and heartfelt support and sympathy extended to our nation in this trying hour.

It is only befitting of this day that, on behalf of the Republic of Armenia, I express my deepest gratitude for the invaluable humanitarian and development assistance that the United States has extended to Armenia since the days of the devastating earthquake in 1988 and after reestablishing independence in 1991. It is impossible to know the number of lives that your country's assistance has saved, especially during the difficult transition period at the dawn of independence. I can assure you, Mr. President, that the people of Armenia will always remember and treasure the sincere and humane spirit in which this assistance was rendered.

It is encouraging to see that the focus of your government is shifting from short-term humanitarian aid to long-term developmental assistance. Moreover, spurring American investment in Armenia and facilitating U.S.-Armenian trade relations stand high on my agenda as Ambassador to the United States.

I would like to re-assure you that the assistance that your country has so generously allocated to Armenia over the years has been a wise investment. It is my firm belief that the United States has always been and continues to be an anchor of friendship and support to the Armenian nation. I look forward to the day when Armenia, too, will assist other members of the family of nations deserving of support and encouragement when in need.

May God bless you, your family, and the American people.

Thank you.

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